About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

Job Summary

The People & Culture (P&C) Senior Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day human resources operations for the Museum while supporting a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven employee experience. Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance and Human Resources, this role serves as the primary HR partner to the Museum’s employees while collaborating closely with the Finance Department on benefits administration, compliance, and workforce operations.

The P&C Senior Manager oversees recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, benefits coordination, compliance, HR systems administration, and performance management processes. This role requires strong operational execution, emotional intelligence, confidentiality, and the ability to build trusted relationships across departments.

Payroll processing and financial oversight remain within the principal responsibility of the Finance Department, with the P&C Senior Manager responsible for providing direct support to employees in accessing and understanding information about their compensation and benefits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Human Resources Operations

• Manage the full employee lifecycle including onboarding, employee changes, performance support, and offboarding.

• Maintain employee records within Rippling and SharePoint systems.

• Ensure HR compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.

• Partner with Finance to communicate employee payroll changes, leave updates, compensation adjustments, and organizational nuances impacting payroll administration.

• Support administration of FMLA, PFL, Workers’ Compensation, and leave tracking processes.

Recruitment & Onboarding

• In partnership with the Senior Director of Finance and Human Resources, develop and implement recruitment strategies to meet current and future staffing needs

• Oversee recruitment coordination, interview scheduling, and candidate experience processes.

• Facilitate onboarding for all new hires 

• Manage HR orientation materials through Canva presentations and onboarding documentation.

• Coordinate onboarding paperwork and employee document collection within Rippling.

• Analyze hiring data and metrics and provide applicable reporting and recommendations

• Develop and maintain standardized recruitment workflows and interview guides

HR Systems & Administration

• Serve as primary administrator for Rippling HRIS operations and employee data maintenance.

• Consult with Rippling support regarding escalations, contract additions, and system improvements.

• Maintain digital personnel files in SharePoint and employee documentation within Rippling.

• Support implementation of performance review systems and performance management cadence development.

Benefits & Vendor Coordination

• Support Open Enrollment administration annually in November for January benefits renewal.

• Coordinate with benefits vendors, retirement providers, and external partners.

• Maintain communication with brokers and HR vendors regarding employee support and organizational updates.

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Support managers and employees with workplace concerns, coaching, and employee relations matters.

• Coordinate compliance training and required workplace notices.

• Assist with EEOC compliance reporting and registration updates.

• Partner with legal counsel and leadership on employee matters as needed.

• Develop strategies and initiatives that support employee success, staff retention, and a positive workplace culture

Compensation & Benefits

• Manage employee benefits programs including medical, retirement, leave administration, and wellness initiatives.

• Administer relationships with benefits vendors including retirement and 401(k) providers.

Training & Development

• Manage compliance training including anti-harassment and workplace safety initiatives.

• Support managers with coaching and performance development tools.

Skills and Qualifications  

• Strong knowledge of employment law, employee relations, benefits administration, and HR operations.

• Experience managing HRIS systems such as Rippling.

• Ability to work independently while managing confidential and sensitive matters with professionalism.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.

• Excellent attention to detail.

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution, preferably in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

• At least 5 years human resources experience, in roles of increasing leadership and responsibility

• Experience working in a museum, cultural institution, and/or nonprofit is a plus.

Physical Demands 

N/A

Work Environment 

• This position is an exempt position and may require working in excess of forty (40) hours during a work week.

• Fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present.

• Building Accessibility – office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed.

Compensation

$85,000 - $90,000 annually

A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

Application Instructions

Please upload your resume and a cover letter to your application. No phone calls or emails, please.  

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, only a select number of applicants will be contacted due to the volume of interest.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.  

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.